UniCAD Parametric 2004 for Windows

UniCAD is a 2D/3D Parametric CAD System designed to assist engineers and designers working on projects of all complexity levels. It is equipped with powerful tools to increase productivity and solve the most varied problems in mechanical construction, drawing detailing, parametrization, 2D/3D movement simulation and collision tests, bill of Materials generation, etc.

All this is done with aid the well known and renowned Windows 95/98/NT/2000/XP graphic interface, which ensures a fast learning curve as well as smooth integration with the most popular current applications.

And now we introduce to you the new version UniCAD 2004, which brings us one step ahead of our commitment to make the work of professionals involved in projects easier and more effective.

Overview

Parametrization with Naturalness

UniCAD is an intrinsically parametric system, eliminating the need for knowledge of a programming language. It’s especially advantageous to those who seek to develop projects in the best possible way, without having to act as a programmer stunt man.

Not only geometric constructions, but also dimensions, texts, parts and sheet layouts can be parametric, including the use of expressions to define variables, parameter tables, if-then-else logical conditions, etc.

These features represent a huge reduction in the time spent generating new drawings for a family of parts, freeing the designer to exercise his creativity in the modification and improvement of the project.

With 3D parametrization totally integrated to the 2D module and presenting the same ease of use, it is possible to create tridimensional parametric models from 2D parametric constructions which, if modified, will reflect the changes made on the 3D model. For detailing and dimensioning, the models can be planified and copied to the 2D environment in wireframe visualization or with hidden-lines.

Hierarchic Command Structure

The storage of UniCAD drawing elements is done in a structure in topologic creation order (log file), which allows an easy association of the elements being created with other existing elements in the drawing, resulting in a perfectly bound design, i. e., consistent and dependable.

The use of this structure also permits an infinite undo plus a very small use of disk space when compared to the other CAD Systems (this will be the end of your library of drawings and parts storage and back-up problems).

All this, without mentioning the system performance, either during the graphical visualization area refresh or during command reprocessing (parametric or not).

Options of Dimensioning and Information Exchange Standards

The several options of dimension types availables to the UniCAD user allow virtually every kind of dimensioning, according to the ANSI and DIN standards.

The communication with other applications is very easy. To transfer information to and from Windows 95/98/NT programs, such as: Wordä , Excelä , Lotusâ 1-2-3â , or CorelDrawâ !, you may use the Clipboard, or MetaFile (EMF/WMF), BMP/JPG or HPGL format files. To transfer information to and from other CAD System, you may use IGES or DWG, DXF standards. You may even input drawings in the UniCAD CADIN format, which was specially designed for interfacing with other non-standard systems.

Movement Simulation

The 2D/3D movement simulation module permits that a given dynamic mechanism be graphically simulated. This way we can test it regarding occurrence of collisions, minimal distance, manufacturing allowance, etc., as well as check all the graphic conditions in the several movement cycles.

Furthermore, UniCAD allows the simulated geometry to be parametrically altered during movement. This makes it an extremely powerful tool for the engineer or designer, as the data calculated during simulation can be once more fed to the geometric construction, which means a total control over the mechanical movement.

Tridimensional Module

The UniCAD 3D module permits the generation of the 3D primitives, resolution or extrusion solids and tubular or profile outline; copy rotation, mirror and other geometric operations are made easier by the concepts of part, object, macro and layer; visualization can be set for wireframe, polygonized wireframe or polygonized wireframe with highlighted identification lines views; and the modules of hidden lines, hidden surfaces and shading can be applied to the views.

Visualization in window mode allows configuration of any view in any window, which are all active simultaneously for identification and geometric operation. It’s possible to establish independent observation angles for each window, or use the standard configurations offered. It’s also possible to work with a wireframe view in one window, with hidden-lines in another and shading in a third window.

Visualization with hidden lines can be planified and copied to the 2D environment, where an isometric view may be used for global visualization and views of planes XY, YZ or XZ may be used for detailing.

Drawing Modification and Associative Features

The system has a built-in graphical command language, these plus hatching and dimensioning automatic association, enable a very easy drawing contruction and future modification.

Interfacing with CAM Systems

The system relies on a CAD/CAM Link module which generates machining geometries in high level language and is equipped with pre-processors for several existing CAM systems.The following geometry types can be generated: profiles (open, closed or catalogued) and point sets (linear, circular, matrix, selection area or freely defined).

UniVIS Visualization Module

UniVIS is the part of the system which has the function of allowing visualization, text insertion and drawing plotting (the latter two features through appropriate set-up in the main module) in stations which do not have UniCAD, such as terminals on the factory’s floor, product engineering, sectors responsible for checking and approving the project, or even in the plotting room, when separated from the project area. These stations, when linked in a network, permit fast and easy exchange of drawings, bringing enormous operational advantages.

Another possibility opened by UniVIS is to send drawings for a client’s appreciation or to obtain a price bid from suppliers, as they can be viewed in zoom, comments may be inserted and information regarding distance, length, angle, etc., may be obtained.

Bill of Materials Generation

UniCAD can easily generate Bill of Materials direct to Screen or to a File. These can be parametric linked with database or datasheet systems. External data modification will be automatically reflected to internal CAD data structure.

Highlights

Intrinsically parametric geometric construction with no need to use programming languages

Local and global variables

Variable defining expressions

Parametric variable definition via command, question or table

Direct correction of commands, including parametric ones

2D Boolean operations

If-Then-Else logical conditions

Infinite undo

Extremely small resulting files (disk space used is up to 30 times smaller than with other CADs)

Toolbars independently set for 2D and 3D modules

Dialog box may be set automatically according to the user’s system knowledge level

Parts libraries may be parametric, including table association (simple or linked tables)

Associative dimensioning, powerful and easy-to use, can also be parametric. Fully adapted to ANSI and DIN standards

Simultaneous operation in each view window

True type font.

Minimum Requirements

(Microcomputer) Pentium with minimum of 32 MB RAM memory

Hard disc with minimum of 40 MB of free space

Microsoft Windows 95/98/NT/200/XP

Windows supported monitor

Windows supported printer or plotter

Windows supported mouse

Comparative Between UniCAD and AutoCAD

The UniCAD Parametric is an advanced system, even abroad, since it has characteristics which make it a highly distinct product. Though it has high productivity and performance tools, we intend to keep a good cost/benefit relation. Because of this, it competitors - current or not - do not present the same quality or their price is much higher than ours. In the Metal-Mechanic target market, the main competitors are very different in each country. In Germany, for example, we had CADdy, in Italy, Design DRAFT, but in every market we have the competition of the American products: AutoCAD and MicroCADAM, besides the products developed in the internal markets.

We present bellow a comparative table between UniCAD and AutoCAD.

Description

UniCAD

AutoCAD®

Generic CAD xSpecialist CAD

Specialist System, directed to the mechanical area

Generic system, has many resources, but can not serve all the areas with a reasonable performance. Normally, needs extra modules to serve a given area, which for many times are more expensive than the system itself.

Use Facility

Has extremely intuitive functions. Tries to guide the user through blocks of functions with the same characteristics. Has unlimited UNDO and permits corrections from any storable command.

The variety of functions are not so much intuitive, mixing commands from Civil, Mechanics, Electrical etc.. Needs a long period of learning.

Programming language
and
parametric
draws

The commands themselves define an interactive graphic language. Runs with numeric and alphanumeric variables. Allows logical conditions and association to tables. Allows the buildings of any parametric draw. Keeps the parametrization between Models 2D and 3D

To perform special buildings, the user must be exhaustively trained to dominate the external programming language. Allows the building of simple parametric draws, but with a long period of development.

Part
Generation

The variables can be individually indicated or read through external files (tables), avoiding incorrect manual data input. Permits the creation of part families.

The draws read from the libraries are only symbols. The creation of part families is not possible.

Material
List
Generation

Generates Bill of Material List graphically or for a file. Keeps the Link between the file and the draw. Is automatically updated when this file is changed by a database, sheet, etc.

The lists are parametric and do not have automatic external link.

Movement simulation and collision test

Does not need extra modules to perform these operations.

Needs special applications.

Draw
Storage

Extremely compact. May need up to 30 times less space than the conventional systems.

Big dimension files

Size

Portion position via Drag. Associative and parametric
Portion /Texts. The portion/texts specifications can be changed in groups, even for those which are already built, allowing considerable ease of the project modification.

Allows not so interactive conventional size.

CAD/CAM Link

Allows direct link to the main products in the market.

Does not allow direct link.

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